Prep Ski Trip To Passo Tonale , Italy
Published by West Buckland School on Tuesday 18th of April 2023
PREP SCHOOL SKI TRIP TO ITALY
During the first week of Easter, a group of 71 ranging from Reception all the way up to Year 8, including teachers and parents, left wet and grey Devon behind, hoping for snow and sunshine in the Italian Dolomites. Passo Tonale did not disappoint!
This ski trip was the first of its kind for West Buckland. All year groups in the Prep School, including parents, were invited to join, with Prep 5 & 6 pupils having the option to travel without their parents.
BRINGING TOGETHER SKIERS OF ALL LEVELS AND AGES FOR A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
There was a wide range of skiing abilities, with some learning for the first time, while others were taking their skiing to the next level. Some of the pupils had the chance to learn a new skill, together with their parents and teachers also skiing for the first time. Passo Tonale had great beginner-friendly slopes, intermediate runs, and challenging terrain for advanced skiers. The mix of ages also allowed everyone to get to know parents and children across different year groups.
The pupils’ kindness and support for one another, both on and off the slopes, was heartwarming to witness. For many, this was their first time away from home for a week, and this in a foreign country, so it was fantastic to see everyone looking out for each other and making the most of the experience.
NO SCHOOL TRIP IS COMPLETE WITHOUT THE WALLY
A highlight of the trip was the daily awards ceremony, where pupils were recognised for everything from silly mistakes to kind gestures. The three “lucky” winners every evening got Wally helmet -covers to wear on the slopes the next day. Phoebe and Emily’s dad’s looked particularly nice in the spikey version.
Off the slopes, there were plenty of activities to enjoy. Evenings were filled with fun activities such as sledging, snowball fights, a trip to the swimming pool, movie night, two quizzes: one for the parents one evening, followed by one for pupils the next evening, and a disco on the last day. The Easter bunny also appeared and hid lots of chocolate eggs in the snow.
HOT CHOCOLATE AT 3000 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL
On a particularly sunny day, the whole crew met at the top of the glacier, 3000 meters above sea level, for a hot chocolate. The bravest of the brave then skied the black runs all the way down!
Thank you so much to our fantastic team of teachers for making the ski trip a memorable experience that will be cherished for years to come. We appreciate your hard work and dedication in making this trip possible. And a big thank you to Mr. Wilson for arranging the trip and bringing it all together. We are already looking forward to the next ski trip!
